Headset for a mobile electronic device

ABSTRACT

Electronic necklace-headset for mobile electronic device in the form of a neck loop or necklace and a pair of wired headphones, where the headphone cords attached in close proximity to the back of electronic necklace and additionally connected together in the suboccipital node, located in the position of the device on the surface of the cervico-occipital region of the user to fix headphones and its cords, which reduces the slack of the cords and streamlines their excursion, creating conditions for continuous wear electronic necklace, including under the clothes, does not change the appearance of the user, allows to control an electronic necklace on touch over clothing, and inoperative can accommodate headphones shot and its cords in the back of the electronic necklace without having to remove the entire device.

Continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/902,903

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunication devices, moreparticularly, to a headset for a mobile electronic device.

BACKGROUND ART

Current stereo headsets of a necklace, collar or neck loop type havepredominantly two types of connection between earphones and the neckloop: headsets with two side nodes, in which earphone cords areconnected with the neck loop and not connected between themselves, andheadsets with a single back node, in which earphone cords are connectedto each other and to the neck loop in the single node.

A conventional headset comprises earphones that are connected throughcords to a supporting structure, which accommodates a signal transceiverand is connected to a necklace (neck loop) (U.S. Pat. No. 7,416,099 B2,publ. 26 Aug. 2008).

The headset comprises long unsecured sections of cords connecting theearphones with the neck loop, because the additional length is neededwhen the user rotates and moves the head relative to the torso. Theheadset has two nodes and the length of the movable portion of the cordsin the headset is more than 19 cm. The cords hang freely along theentire length thereof in the air over the body surface, so they areslacking and may tangle and cling to surrounding objects. In addition,the headset is difficult to wear under clothing, in both operational andnon-operational state, i.e. when the earphones are taken off.

An earphone storage structure comprises a necklace (analog of neckloop), two fasteners formed in the two ends of the necklace, andstoppers (U.S. Pat. No. 7,936,895 B2, publ. 3 May 2011). The size of thefasteners is less than the size of the stoppers and the size of theearphones, therefore the earphones may be pulled out when they are notused. The stoppers are actually connection nodes, and this devicerelates to headsets with two side nodes. The earphone storage structurehas the same limitations as the previous device: cords are slacking, andthe structure is difficult to wear under clothing and managing it overclothing.

A lanyard for a portable electronic device (U.S. Pat. No. 7,650,007 B2,published 19 Jan. 2010) comprises two side connection nodes and allowsadjusting the length of earphone cords, but the lanyard does noteliminate sagging of cords in operational state.

In a necklace-type audio device (WO 2012/015257 A1, publ. 2 Feb. 2012),earphone cables form a neck loop when they are attached at the ends to ajack disposed on the user's chest, and crossed through two ringsdisposed in the back of the necklace (neck loop), the rings beingadapted to adjust the length of the neck loop and earphone cables. Inthis device, the length of the cords connecting an earphone to thenecklace (neck loop) is even longer than in necklace-type headsets withtwo side nodes; this fact contributes to slacking the cords, andpeculiarities of adjusting the lengths of cords in the headseteliminates the possibility of wearing it under clothes.

Therefore, the conventional devices, first, comprise excessively longunsecured sections of cords that connect the head part of a headset witha neck loop (in headsets with a single node the length of freely hangingcords is about 19 cm, and in headsets with two side units it is about 25cm) and, second, unsecured sections of cords in the conventional devicesdo not fit to the body surface. The cord slack cannot be fully removedwithout restricting the freedom of movement of the user's head.Therefore, when the devices are used the cords either slack, tangle andcling to surrounding objects, or restrict the freedom of movement.

Therefore, no constant wear device has been designed up to the presentmoment, which would have a small total length of freely hanging cordssnuggly fitted to the body and creating no obstacles to movements of thehead. Provision of such a device could improve the ease of use, securefixation to the user's body, and prevent failures caused by the cordsclinging with surrounding objects.

In general, slacking of cords depends on the following factors:

the length of movable portion of cords between fixed points; in allconventional neck headsets this is the length of cord from an earphoneto the neck loop, so the shorter the movable portion of the cord, theless is the slack;

cord tension;

degree of adherence of the cord to the body surface;

position of the cords; cords disposed on a plane do not slack as opposedto cords hanging in the air or lying above natural depressions on thesurface of user's body.

Impact of the above factors is illustrated in the drawings and isexplained below on examples of conventional devices and a deviceaccording to the invention.

Basis for the Inventive Structure of a Headset for a Mobile ElectronicDevice

When a user wears a headset (FIG. 1) in the form of a neck loop, a nodethat connects earphone cords 5 to a neck loop 1 rests on the dorsalsurface of the user's neck, in the region of the seventh cervicalvertebra. Slightly lower on the human body there is a trough deepeninglying between the spinous and transverse processes of the vertebrae,sulcus dorsalis, at the level of the second-third thoracic vertebrae inthe interscapular region, where a depression of various intensity ofabout 4×5 cm (depending on the constitution and development ofsubcutaneous fat) is formed at the place of attachment on the medialedges of both blades of serratus anterior muscle, and a large and minorrhomboids muscles (musculae rhomboidei major et minor). The depressionmay receive a cord winding mechanism and an earphone storage pocket,without projecting above the surface of the body and so without causinginconvenience to the user.

From the cord connection node on the neck loop the cords run up on thedorsal surface of the neck to the back of the head, on the paravertebraldeepening, sulcus costae vertebralis major, not reaching the outsideoccipital protuberance at the level of the first-second cervicalvertebrae, where an additional cord connection node, suboccipital node6, is appropriate to arrange. If the cords are directed in V manner fromthe suboccipital node in the oblique anterior-upward direction slightlyabove or at the hairline, which is almost coinciding with the upperoccipital skull line, through the mastoid regions (regiones mastoideae)of the neck, above the mastoid processes, through the projection ofligamentum auriculare superior, which attaches the top part of theauricular cartilage to the squamous part of the temporal bone on theupper section of the auricle between the front curl and tragus of theouter ear to a fixation point in the earphone 3 of the appropriate side,then the stable position of the suboccipital cord connection node willbe provided by the availability of fixing anatomical structures at thedatum point, such as the external occipital protuberance and lateraloccipital projections, while a snug fit of the cords on the scalp isprovided by stretching them on the dorsal surface of the head and neckin the places where the cords pass like a girth due to the partialhook-like overlap of the earphone cords through the ligamentumauriculare with additional fixing of the earphones inside the auricle.

With such attachment only the cords in the section 7 between nodes 5 and6 are movable, and only this section may have a slack to compensate forthe cord length, which changes when the head turns in the horizontalplane, tilts back, rocks from side to side, as well as when themovements are combined, that is, in all options that can arise in closedkinematic chains of the neck.

Cords 4 are relatively snug fitted to the scalp and fixed relative tothe user's head, and their length does not vary at all the abovemovements and varies so little that these variations can be neglected.

Adherence and immobility of the cords 4 between the nodes are alsopromoted by the cellular connective tissue structure of the subcutaneousfat of the occipital region, a minor displacement of the skin in thearea, the presence of Langer's lines running in the transverse directionin the skin, as well as the passage of the cord on a hollow of thepostaural cavity, the hook-like overlap of the cords and positioning theearphones in the outer ear.

In conjunction with the suboccipital node the tension and absence ofslack are further provided by the design of the used earphone, which isplaced inside the auricle, in most cases, without arc, but having astiff part—an earphone arm attached to the earphone body lying in theouter ear and continued upward from the helical root on the ascendingpart of the helix to the ligamentum auriculare superior, the attachmentpoint of the top of the auricle to the temporal bone. A flexible cordextends from the stiff arm, leaning over the above ligamentum auricularesuperior at an angle of less than 45°, which contributes to the factthat the rigid arm of the earphone forms a lever, where at accidentaltearing off of the earphone cords, that is, when the cords are pulled atdown and back tension vector, the arising moment abuts the earphoneagainst the tragus, thereby fixing the earphone between the tragus andthe external auditory canal.

In terms of biomechanics it should be noted that movements of the headare described on the basis of closed kinematic patterns, andextrapolation of even fairly complex combinations of head movements tothe fixation points can be considered in only one narrative category—aslengthening-shortening the cord section between the dorsal cordconnection node on the neck loop and the cord connection suboccipitalnode, which is almost stationary relative to the head and lies under theouter posterior occipital protuberance.

To construct a closed kinematic model, a headset can be represented asconsisting of two basic parts and a movable connection thereof (FIG. 1).

A first part (head part) is stationary relative to the user's head,comprises two earphones 3, two earphone cords 4 enveloping the auriclefrom above, and a suboccipital node 6.

A second part is stationary relative to the user's body, comprises aneck loop 1 and a cord connection node disposed on the neck loop on thedorsal surface of the neck, a dorsal node 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, positions of the cord connection nodes has beenchosen at reference numeral 5, point A (FIG. 2) and reference numeral 6,point B (FIG. 2). In this case, the length of the free-hanging cord 7 inthe section between the nodes should be minimal.

To determine the length of the AB section, variations in the distancebetween points A and B when the head turns are to be considered. In thiscase, “distance” is the length of the geodesic line connecting points Aand B on the surface of the neck (FIG. 2b ). First, define the extensionof the cord when the head rotates sideways. Maximum angle of rotation ofthe head is 90°. Determine the AB distance.

To determine the length of the geodesic line it is necessary to describemathematically the surface of the neck and possible movements of thehead and neck. The neck surface can be represented with sufficientaccuracy as a cylinder (FIG. 2a ). Head and neck can make the followingmotions: bending-tilting forward, extension/tilting backward, abductionand adduction/tilting to the left and to the right, turns to the leftand to the right. High mobility of the cervical spine is due to itssegmentation: having a height of about 13 cm, it contains sevenmedium-sized vertebrae and six high intervertebral discs. Between thefirst cervical vertebrae and the occipital bone, in theatlantal-occipital joint, adduction/abduction and flexion/extension ofthe head are performed, and between the first and second cervicalvertebra turns of the head to the right and the left are performed. Thejoint work of these joints provides the head movement about three axes.Thus, combined movements of the head and neck are made in relation tothe body, while independent movements of the head are made in relationto the neck. This is because the cervical spine is very flexible, andindependent movements are possible between the first and second cervicalvertebrae.

Consider the behavior of the kinematic model of the headset when thehead rotates in the horizontal plane.

When the head rotates in the horizontal plane the neck twists mainly inthe region between the first and second vertebrae. Moreover, since thecervical spine is located closer the back of the neck, the twisting axisis also close to the back surface of the cylinder. Since the twisting isperformed only in the upper part of the cylinder about a non-centralaxis, the cylinder surface is distorted. The distortion is most stronglymanifested in the region of the first and second cervical vertebrae,just where point B lies. The main part of the geodesic line passes belowthe distortion, so in the calculations we assume the surface ascylindrical. An important issue is the determination of the position ofpoint B when the upper part of the cylinder is twisted to a maximumangle α=π/2. Since ears are symmetric about the twisting axis, that isthe axis of the vertebral column, and the point B is fixed by the tautcords in symmetrical position as well, the position of point B can beexpected in the next central angle φ (FIG. 2b ).

$\begin{matrix}{\varphi = {\arcsin\left( \frac{R - D}{R} \right)}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

The height of point B will not change at rotation either because it isfixed by the taut earphone cords.

Consider the task of geodesic line of a cylinder having base radius Rand height h (FIG. 2b ). The line passes through two diametricallyopposite points on different basis.

Its length:da=√dx ² +dy ² +dz ²

Since the curve lies on the surface of the cylinder, it is convenient touse cylindrical coordinates, with dx2+dy2=R2dφ2, where φ is the polarangle (FIG. 2b ). In polar coordinates, the task reduces to findingdependence z(φ), at which the length of the curve is minimal or thefunctional:

$\begin{matrix}{S = {\underset{0}{\int\limits^{\varphi_{0}}}{\sqrt{R^{2} + z^{\prime\; 2}}{\mathbb{d}\varphi}}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

is minimal.

From the calculus of variations it is known that minimum is reached forthe curve that satisfies the Euler equation, in this case:

$\begin{matrix}{\left( \frac{z^{\prime}}{\sqrt{R^{2} + z^{\prime\; 2}}} \right)^{\prime} = 0} & (3)\end{matrix}$

It follows that z′(φ)=a, where a is the constant factor, thenz(φ)=a×φ+b. Coefficients are determined though boundary points A (R, 0,0), the attachment point of the lower clip, and B (R, φ0, h) with thepolar angle φ=0 being at point A and equal to φ0 at point B. Then thecoefficients are of the form: a=h/φ0, b=0. Then z(φ)=φ×h/φ0. And thelength of the curve is equal to the value of the functional, i.e.:

$\begin{matrix}{S = {{\underset{0}{\int\limits^{\varphi_{0}}}{\sqrt{R^{2} + {h^{2}\text{/}\varphi_{0}^{2}}}{\mathbb{d}\varphi}}} = \sqrt{{\varphi_{0}^{2}R^{2}} + h^{2}}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

Thus, variation in distance AB or mobility of cords ΔS is:ΔS=√{square root over (h ² +R ²φ₀ ²)}−h  (5)where R—the radius of the cylinder, φ0—the angle of rotation of node B,defined relative to the central axis of the cylinder, h—the height ofthe node. With regard to expression (1) get the expression for mobilityof cords:

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta\; S_{t}} = {\sqrt{h^{2} + {R^{2}{\arcsin^{2}\left( \frac{R - D}{R} \right)}}} - h}} & (6)\end{matrix}$

Now consider for comparison variation in the length of cords athorizontal rotation of the head in conventional headsets. FIG. 3a showsan example of such a headset. In this case, cords are clamped at pointA, and the movable part is the entire cord from point A to earphonesdisposed at points C and D. Conventionally denote the headset as asingle node headset. Thus, mobility of the cords can be determined fromthe difference between the distances from point A and D when the headrotates at the angle of 90 o in one direction and in the otherdirection, since while the distance or the geodesic line lengthincreases in one direction, it decreases in the other direction. Thesetwo distances can be determined in FIG. 3b , where a minimum distance isthe length of line AC, and a maximum distance corresponds to line AD. Asa result, mobility of the cords can be found from the expression (5)with the assumption of h=H and φ0=π, and it has the form:ΔS _(t1)=√{square root over (H ² +R ²π²)}−H  (7)

Consider another type of a headset, which will be conventionally calleda headset with two side nodes (FIG. 4a ). In this case assume that theheadset cord, at rotation, always passes through points at the base ofthe cylinder, i.e. points A and B, cord connection nodes. Then theminimum distance between points A and C or B and D is H. The maximumdistance when the head is rotated to 90° is shown by geodesic lines ACand BD (FIG. 4b ). As a result, mobility of the cords is also determinedfrom expression (5) with the assumption of h=H and φ0=π/2, and isdefined by the following expression:ΔS _(t2)=√{square root over (H ² +R ²π²/4)}−H  (8).

Next, consider behavior of the kinematic model when the head tiltsforward and backward in the vertical plane.

Tilts of the head are performed by rotation of the head around the axispassing between the first cervical vertebra and the occipital bone. Thetilt is often accompanied by a tilt of the entire cervical spine. In aheadset with two nodes the tilt of the neck has a little effect ondistance AB, but rotation of the head has a significant impact, sincenode B is disposed directly on the occipital part. Thus, knowingdistance from B to axis of rotation r and angle of rotation α (5 a),shift of node B can be estimated asBB ₀ =rα  (9)

Obtain an expression for the length of segment AB at arbitrary angle αfrom the triangle AOB (FIG. 5b ):AB2=AO2+r2−2AOr cos(α+β)  (10)

Distance to axis r can be determined though the distance from the backsurface of the neck to the center of the cervical spine, i.e. R−D, andthe difference of heights of point B and the axis of rotation of thehead h0:r=√{square root over ((R−D)² +h ₀ ²)}  (11)

From triangle OO1A obtain the following expression:AO=√{square root over ((R−D)²+(h+h ₀)²)}  (12)

Expression for angle β can be obtained from expressions (10), (11) and(12) by substituting α=0, AB=h.

$\begin{matrix}{\beta = {\arccos\frac{\;{\left( {R - D} \right)^{2} + {hh}_{0} + h_{0}^{2}}}{\sqrt{\left( {\left( {R - D} \right)^{2} + \left( {h + h_{0}} \right)^{2}} \right)\left( {\left( {R - D} \right)^{2} + h_{0}^{2}} \right)}}}} & (13)\end{matrix}$

Thus, the expression for the AB has the form:

$\begin{matrix}{{{AB}(\alpha)} = \sqrt{\begin{matrix}{{2\left( {R - D} \right)^{2}} + \left( {h + h_{0}} \right)^{2} + h_{0}^{2} -} \\{2\sqrt{\left( {\left( {R - D} \right)^{2} + \left( {h + h_{0}} \right)^{2}} \right)\left( {\left( {R - D} \right)^{2} + h_{0}^{2}} \right)\cos\;\left( {\alpha + \beta} \right)}}\end{matrix}}} & (14)\end{matrix}$

It should be noted that in case of tilting the head backward expression(14) is no longer true, because there is no tension of the skin and softtissues of the dorsal part of the neck. In this case it is appropriateto estimate distance BB0 as the difference between heights of points Band B0.Δh=r(cos(γ0+α)−cos γ0)  (15)

As a result, mobility of the cords is calculated from expression {14) bysubstituting α=αm (maximum tilt angle), and (15) by substituting α=−αm:ΔS _(c) =AB(α_(m))−√{square root over ((R−D)² +h ₀ ²)}(cos(γ₀−α_(m))−cosγ₀)  (16)

Apparently, am cannot exceed γ0 due to the limit on deformation of theneck. To assess mobility of the cords we may assume αm=γ0, then withregard to expression (14) obtain:ΔS _(c) =AB(γ₀)−√{square root over ((R−D)² +h ₀ ²)}(1−cos γ₀)  (17)

In case of headsets with a single node or with two side nodes rotationin the vertical plane affects the height of points C and D. Variation inthe latter, Δh0, can be determined if relative distance r0 between axisCD and the axis of rotation, as well as angular position a0 of the axesare known (FIG. 6a ):Δh0=r0(cos α0−cos(α0+α))  (18)

As a result, variation in the distance or mobility of cords for aheadset with a single node can be obtained from formula (4) with H−Δh0set instead of h and φ=π/2. In this case, angle α varies in the range−αm<α<αm, and the height varies in the range:Δh01=r0(cos α0−cos(α0−αm))<Δh0<r0(cos α0−cos(α0+αm))=Δh02  (19)ΔS _(c1)=√{square root over ((H−Δh ₀₁)² +R ²π²/4)}−√{square root over((H−Δh ₀₂)² +R ²π²/4)}  (20)

FIG. 6b illustrates the case of a headset with two side nodes. Mobilityof the cords can be estimated through variation in heights of points Cand D. Then, from expression (14) obtain mobility of the cords in thefollowing form:ΔSc1=Δh02−Δh01  (21)

Like the case of a headset with two nodes, estimates αm=γ0=α0 are true.Then obtain the following estimates for mobility of cords:ΔS _(c1)=√{square root over ((H+r ₀(1−cos γ₀))² +R ²π²/4)}−√{square rootover ((H−r ₀(cos γ₀−cos 2γ₀))² +R ²π²/4)}   (22)ΔSs2=r0(1−cos 2γ0)  (23)

Also consider behavior of the kinematic model when the head tiltssideway in the vertical plane.

When the head tilts sideway the movement of the head can be representedas rotation of the upper part of a cylinder about axis s, which passesapproximately through point O of intersection of axes t and c.

In the case of a headset with two nodes such rotation is accompanied bya shift of point B, which can be estimated through the distance to axisof rotation O1B0 (FIG. 7a ). As seen in FIG. 7b : O1B0=h0. To determinethe length of AB it is necessary to determine horizontal shift Δs andvertical shift Δh of point B, because AB=√{square root over((h+Δh)²+Δs²)}. In this case Δh=h0(1−cos α) and Δs=h0 sin α. Thenmobility of section AB when the head tilts sideway will changed tomaximum angle αm:ΔS _(s)=√{square root over ((h+h ₀(1−cos α_(m)))² +h ₀ ²sin²α_(m))}−h  (24)

Now consider the case of a headset with side nodes. In this case,variation in segments AC and BD can be accounted for by considering theshift of points C and D on arcs of circle from points C0 and D0. Thelength of AC in the case of the head tilt shown in FIG. 7b can be foundas:AC=AC0+Rsα=H+Rsα  (25)

Here Rs is the radius of rotation about axis s, which can be found fromtriangle COO2, where OO2 can be found, given that the height of point Ois h+h0 (FIG. 5b ), then OO2=H−h−h0, and CO2=R, therefore:CO=R _(s)=√{square root over ((H−h−h ₀)² +R ²)}  (26)

To determine BD only variation in the height of point D, ΔH=Rs sin α,should be taken into account because the cord in this area is loose:BD=H−ΔH=H−R sin α  (27)

Considering maximum deflection angle αm=45° the following expression canbe obtained for mobility of cords:ΔSs2=Rsαm+R sin αm  (28)

Now consider the case of a headset with a single node (FIG. 8). In thiscase, the calculation is more complicated and requires special treatmentfor the length of geodesic line AC. In this task the surface of the neckcan be described as a surface of an inclined cylinder. To do this, findthe angle of inclination of the cylinder surface, β. From triangles BCC0and OCC0 find CC0=2Rs sin (α/2);Bc=√{square root over (H ²+4R _(s) ² sin²(α/2)−4HR _(s)sin(α/2)sin(α/2−γ))}  (29)

From triangle BCC0 obtain:BC/sin(π/2−α/2+γ)=2Rs sin(α/2)/sin βso obtain:β=arcsin(2Rs sin(α/2)cos(α/2−γ)/BC)  (30)Hereγ=arctg(R/(H−h−h0))  (31)Therefore,AC=√{square root over ((BC(1−sin β))²+π² R ² cos²β/4)}  (32)

It should be noted that, taking into account the dependence of BC and βon angle α from equations (29) and (30), we can expect a nonmonotonicdependence of the line length AC(α). FIG. 9 shows this dependence forparameters listed in Table 1. It can be seen that AC reaches maximumACmax=16.6 cm at angle α0=8.6°.

Now find the length of AD because this line describes the minimum lengthof the cord. In this case we may consider that the height of thecylinder has changed to ΔH=Rs sin α, then using the expression (27)obtain:AD=(H−R _(s) sin α)²+π² R ²/4  (33)

As a result, mobility of cords ΔSs1 is determined as the difference ofthe lengths of lines ACmax and AD at the maximum angle of inclination,αm:ΔS _(s1) =AC _(max)−√{square root over ((H−R sin α_(m))²+π² R²/4)}  (34)

Table 1 shows the comparison of cord mobility for various types ofheadsets. As seen in the table, a headset with two nodes, that is aheadset, in which two earphone cords are connected to the neck loopthrough a dorsal cord connection node in close proximity to each otherand have an additional point of fixation to each other, a suboccipitalnode; the cords have the lowest mobility as compared with conventionalheadsets. This advantage applies to all kinds of movements of the head.Comfortable wear of the headset is determined by the maximum possiblemobility of cords, respectively, the difference between the minimum andmaximum possible length of loose cord, arising at different positions ofthe head. In a headset with two nodes the maximum length is determinedby maximum distance AB between the nodes, that is the length AB definedin expression (14). In a headset with a single node, the maximum lengthof the cord is achieved when the head rotates to 90°:L _(max1)=√{square root over (H ² +R ²π²)}  (35)

For a headset with two side nodes obtain the maximum length when thehead tilts sideway:L _(max2) =H+R _(s)α_(m)  (36)

Table 1 contains numerical estimates, from which it follows that theheadset with two nodes has a minimum length of a maximum extended, butslack portion of cord. It should also be noted that the estimatesobtained for a headset with two side nodes have been deliberatelyreduced, because cords passing from points A and B to the transceiverare not taken into account, and account of them would significantlyincrease Lmax2.

Therefore, the availability of two optimally positioned nodes A and Bcontributes not only to reduction in slacking of the cords, but alsoprovides tension of the cords emanating from node B to earphones. Sincethese cords lie on the curved surface of the neck, the tension creates apressure on the skin (FIG. 10). As a result of this pressure therearises a friction force of the cord against the skin and a pressureforce of the suboccipital cord connection node, node B, against softtissues, while the difference of vectors of these forces leads tofixation of the cords on the scalp and further secures earphones in theauricle. Thus, the fastening force is concentrated not only on theauricles, and not only by fixing the earphones in the external auditorycanal, but it is uniformly distributed over the entire length of thecord, which greatly facilitates wearing of the earphones. Node B, i.e.suboccipital cord connection node, is hold in a stable position owing tothe uniform distribution of various forces that arise in the occipitalregion at the specified arrangement geometry of the cords and theirmutual coupling, taking into account human anatomical features.

FIG. 10 shows a vector diagram of projections of the forces acting onthe suboccipital cord connection node, node B. Node B is fixed throughtension of the cords. Thin arrows indicate tensile forces of the cords,the total of which creates pressure on the skin. As a result, node Bexperiences a force of reaction of the skin and surrounding tissues,indicated by wide arrow, that seeks to move the node down, and thearising forces of friction against the cord, marked with wide solidarrow, fix the position of node B. In this model, the tension of cordsbelow the node was neglected, as its length has been chosen for optimaland the cord is loose, has an excess length of about 9.8 cm to ensuremobility of the cords in movements of the head and neck.

Table 1 summarizes results of comparison of cord mobility and maximumcord length in headsets with different geometries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a headset for a mobileelectronic device, in which each cord connecting an earphone to a neckloop comprises a movable part and a stationary part, and wheredecreasing the length of the movable part of the cords, arrangement ofthe movable parts on a plane and fitting the stationary parts of thecords against the user's body and fixation of the stationary parts bytension would ensure less slack of earphone cords and thus reduce thelikelihood of catching the cords and pulling off the earphone out of theauricle, and enable continuous wear of the headset by the user inoperational state and with the earphones taken off, and improve theability of winding the earphone cords.

The object is accomplished in a headset for a mobile electronic device,comprising: a neck loop with at least one electrical connector attachedthereto; two earphones; two cords, each of the cords being connected atone end to one of the earphones and at the other end to the electricalconnector; wherein said two cords are mechanically connected to the neckloop, and points of connection of the cords to the neck loop are inclose proximity to each other and form a dorsal cord connection node,and are further mechanically connected to each other in sections betweenthe earphones and the dorsal cord connection node to form a suboccipitalcord connection node at the connection point.

Preferably, when worn by the user in operational state, the dorsal cordconnection node and the suboccipital cord connection node are to bedisposed on the dorsal surface of the neck, and cords in sectionsbetween the earphones and the suboccipital node are disposed above theauricle and located on the surface of the head in taut state.

Preferably, when worn by the user in operational state, the dorsal cordconnection node is disposed at the level of the seventh cervicalvertebra, the suboccipital cord connection node is disposed at the levelof the external occipital protuberance, and the section of cords betweenthe suboccipital and dorsal cord connection nodes has a lengthdetermined by the maximum distance between the first and seventhcervical vertebrae of the user, measured on the dorsal surface of theneck with the head rotated sideway and tilted downward at the same time.

Preferably, the section of cords between the suboccipital and dorsalcord connection nodes has a length in the range from 5 cm to 13 cm.

Preferably, in some embodiments the suboccipital cord connection node isa clip adapted to move along the cords for adjusting the length of thecords.

Preferably, the suboccipital node comprises an electrical connector fordisconnecting the cords.

Preferably, at least one cord in the section between the suboccipitaland dorsal cord connection nodes is in the form of a helical spring.

Preferably, the headset further comprises a spring disposed between thesuboccipital and dorsal cord connection nodes.

Preferably, the headset further comprises at least one electronic unitmechanically and electrically coupled to at least one electricalconnector.

Preferably, the headset further comprises at least two control meanspositioned on the neck loop and made in the form of buttons, saidcontrol buttons issue commands only when two buttons are pressed at thesame time.

Preferably, the control means are adapted to transmit acoustic warningthat is transmitted to the user's earphone only when a command isissued. Preferably, the buttons of the control means have borderingflanges to prevent accidental pressing.

Preferably, the headset comprises at least one power supply arranged onthe neck loop.

Preferably, the headset comprises at least one microphone arranged onthe neck loop.

Preferably, a part of the cord near the earphone is accommodated in atubular guide having a contact member on its outer surface toelectrically connect the headset with an additional electronic device.

Preferably, the neck loop comprises at least two connectors to connectadditional sections of the neck loop.

Preferably, the headset comprises a cord winding mechanism and a cordstorage pocket, both arranged on the neck loop.

Preferably, the headset further comprises a cone-shaped spring meshattached at the apex to the suboccipital cord connection node and at thebase to the edge perimeter of the storage pocket.

Preferably, the cord winding mechanism comprises a reel with a helicalspring accommodated inside and a fishing line wound on the reel andconnected at one end to the reel and at the other end to thesuboccipital cord connection node, so that when the fishing line iswound on the reel, the suboccipital cord connection node is drawn to thedorsal cord connection node, and the section of cords between thesuboccipital and dorsal nodes is arranged in the storage pocket.

The object is further accomplished in a headset for a mobile electronicdevice, comprising: two earphones; an electrical connector; two cords,each of the cords being connected at one end to one of the earphones andat the other end to the electrical connector; wherein said two cords aremechanically connected to each other to form a neck loop by sections ofcords, which are arranged between the point of connection thereof witheach other and with the electrical connector, and further mechanicallyconnected to each other in a point on the sections of cords between theearphones and the neck loop.

Preferably, the cords are connected to each other by at least one clipadapted to move along the cords for adjusting the length of the cordsagainst each other.

Preferably, the headset further comprises at least one electronic unitconnected mechanically and electrically to the electrical connector.

Preferably, the headset further comprises at least two control means inthe form of buttons disposed on the cords forming the neck loop.

Preferably, the control buttons comprise bordering flanges to preventaccidental pressing.

Preferably, the headset further comprises at least one power supplyarranged on the cords forming the neck loop. Preferably, the headsetfurther comprises at least one microphone arranged on the cords formingthe neck loop.

Preferably, the cords comprise at least one additional electricalconnector.

Preferably, the cords comprise at least one contact member to connectsections of the cords to each other.

Technical effect provided by the present invention includes the abilityof reducing the length of the movable portion of the cords between theearphone and the neck loop, and the adherence of the stationary portionof the cord to the surface of the user's body and fixation of thestationary portion by tension substantially eliminate slack of the cordsconnecting the earphones with the neck loop, which in turn, preventsbreakage of cords or earphones and provide additional furtheropportunity for constant wear of the headset by the user in operationalstate and with the earphones taken off, because the cords do not impairthe aesthetic appearance of the user when worn in operational ornon-operational state. Furthermore, a mechanism for full or partialwinding up of the earphone cords when not in use can be easier arrangedon the headset.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be further explained in the description of preferredembodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a general view of a headset in operational state on theuser according to the present invention;

FIG. 2a, b shows a mathematical model of the neck surface with a headsetwith two nodes, where the head is shown in normal position and rotatedat angle π/2, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3a, b shows a mathematical model of the neck surface with a headsetwith a single node, where the head is shown in normal position androtated at angle π/2, according to the present invention;

FIG. 4a, b shows a mathematical model of the neck surface with a headsetwith two side nodes, where the head is shown in normal position androtated at angle π/2, according to the present invention;

FIG. 5a shows a mathematical model of the neck surface with a headsetwith two nodes where the head is tilted vertically, according to theinvention;

FIG. 5b shows the calculation of the length of segment AB when the headis tilted forward at arbitrary angle α, according to the invention;

FIG. 6a, b shows a mathematical model of the neck surface with a headsetwith a single node, with two side nodes, when the head is tiltedvertically, according to the invention;

FIG. 7a, b shows a mathematical model of a head tilted sideway with aheadset with two nodes and a headset with two side units, according tothe invention;

FIG. 8 shows a mathematical model of a head tilted sideway with aheadset with a single node, according to the invention;

FIG. 9 shows the dependence of the length of geodesic line AC on tiltangle α of a head, according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a vector diagram of forces, according to the invention;

FIG. 11 is a general view of a headset in one embodiment, showing mainfunctional components according to the invention;

FIGS. 12, 13, 14 show various embodiments of a headset in operationaland non-operational state on the user, according to the invention;

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a headset with a suboccipital node in theform of a clip according to the invention;

FIGS. 16, 17 show embodiments of a headset with the section of cordsbetween the suboccipital and dorsal cord connections nodes in the formof a helical wire, according to the invention;

FIGS. 18, 19, 20 show embodiments of a headset with the cord sectionbetween the suboccipital and dorsal cord connection nodes in the form ofsprings, according to the invention;

FIG. 21 shows embodiments of a headset with a spring in the section ofcords between the suboccipital and dorsal nodes, according to theinvention;

FIG. 22 shows embodiments of a headset with two springs in the sectionof cords between the suboccipital and dorsal cord connection nodes,according to the invention;

FIG. 23a, b shows embodiments of a dorsal cord connection node;

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a headset with an electronic unit;

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of an electronic unit of a headset;

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of protection of buttons, according to theinvention;

FIG. 27, 28 show implementation of button control functions in anembodiment of a headset according to the invention;

FIG. 29 shows an exemplary algorithm implemented when buttons arepressed, according to the invention;

FIG. 30 shows the use of a headset with glasses/screens, according tothe invention;

FIG. 31 shows an embodiment of a neck loop connector according to theinvention;

FIG. 32 is an embodiment of a headset comprising a winding mechanism,storage pocket and spring mesh according to the invention;

FIG. 33 is shows the way of wearing a headset comprising a windingmechanism, a storage pocket and spring mesh in operational state,according to the invention;

FIG. 34 shows a way of wearing a headset comprising a winding mechanism,storage pocket and spring mesh in non-operational state, according tothe invention;

FIG. 35 shows a way of wearing a headset comprising a winding mechanism,storage pocket and spring mesh in non-operational state, according tothe invention;

FIG. 36 shows a general view of a headset in one embodiment, showing themain functional components according to the invention;

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment of a headset with cords connected by a clip,according to the invention;

FIG. 38 depicts an embodiment of a headset with a mechanism of pullingcords, in which the cords are connected according to the invention;

FIGS. 39 and 40 show various designs of clips, according to theinvention;

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram of a headset as a multifunctionalportable device, according to the invention;

FIG. 42 shows a possible set of contact members of digital microphones,according to the invention;

FIGS. 43, 44 show circuitry of an embodiment of a headset according tothe invention;

FIG. 45 shows the use of a headset according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The terms and expressions used herein shall have the meanings which maybe different from the common meaning.

Headset is the set of mechanically connected cords, earphones andelectrical connectors, configured with the capability to be worn on theuser's body and designed for wired and wireless communications with amobile electronic device.

Earphone is a device for personal listening to music, voice or otheraudio signals, which fits in the external ear of the user.

Neck loop is a piece of a linear material such as rope, wire, fabric,leather or chain, shaped in the form of a loop, ring, necklace, necktie,or collar; designed to be worn on the user's neck and chest and adaptedto accommodate electrical and mechanical devices thereon.

Electrical connector is a detachable or non-detachable electrical devicefor mechanical connection of electrical circuits.

Cord is a flexible linear electric conductor comprising one or moretwisted or adjacent, isolated or non-isolated leads, cords or individualcords, with or without an integral insulation above them.

Connection node is a point where two or more pieces of linear material,such as rope or cord, are mechanically connected to each other, or apoint where they are attached to anything in close proximity to eachother by binding, weaving, tying, gluing, enclosure in a general housinglike cambric, or by another available means.

Electronic unit is an electrical device for corded and cordlesscommunications, adapted to be disposed on a neck loop and electricallycoupled to other components on the headset.

Control means is an interface component between a headset and user,configured as a mechanical, piezoelectric or another button or keyhaving a bounded surface, a pressure on which leads to changing thefunction of the associated device.

Dorsal means being on the back.

Occipital means being on the back of the head.

Suboccipital means being under the back of the head.

Dorsal, occipital and suboccipital are used herein to describe theposition of headset components on the surface of the user's body.

Excursion means movement, mobility of an organ or joint, or movement,mobility of headset components disposed on these organs or jointsrelative to other parts of the headset.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless high-frequencycommunications method.

PAN (Personal Area Network) is a network organized around a person forcommunication among personal electronic devices, such as a smartphones,laptops, cordless and corded headsets. Standard wireless networkscurrently include Bluetooth, Zigbee, Piconet, Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wide Band,Kleer, NFC.

A headset for a mobile electronic device (FIG. 1, FIG. 10) comprises aneck loop 1 with at least one electrical connector 2 attached to it; twoearphones 3 a, 3 b; two cords 4 a, 4 b, each connected at one end to oneof the earphones, and at the other end to the electrical connector, andthese two cords are connected mechanically to the neck loop 1 so thatthe points of connection of the cords with the neck loop are in closeproximity to each other and form a dorsal cord connection node 5, andthey are additionally mechanically connected to each other at a locationon sections between the earphones and the dorsal cord connection node 5to form a suboccipital cord connection node 6 at the point of connectionthereof.

When the headset is worn in operational state the dorsal cord connectionnode 5 and the suboccipital cord connection node 6 are to be positionedon the dorsal surface of the neck and cords 4 on the sections betweenthe earphones 3 and the suboccipital node 6 are to be positioned abovethe auricle and placed on the head surface in taut state.

When the headset is worn in operational state the dorsal cord connectionnode 5 is positioned at the level of the seventh cervical vertebra, thesuboccipital cord connection node 6 is positioned at the level of theexternal occipital protuberance, and section 7 of the cords between thedorsal and suboccipital cord connection nodes has a length defined bythe maximum distance between the first and seventh cervical vertebrae ofthe user, measured on the dorsal surface of the neck when the head isrotated sideway and tilted down at the same time, and this length is inthe range from 5 cm to 13 cm.

FIGS. 12, 13 14 illustrate options of wearing different embodiments ofheadsets.

In various embodiments (FIG. 15) the suboccipital cord connection node 6may be a clip 8, and the length of the cords can be adjusted by movingthe clip along the cords. Also the suboccipital node 6 may comprise anelectrical connector to disconnect the cords.

At least one cord of the section 7 between the suboccipital and dorsalcord connection nodes can be configured as a helical spring. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 16, 17 the cord section 7 between thesuboccipital and dorsal cord connection nodes is in the form of ahelical cord and is actually a tension spring. Various embodiments of aheadset with a cord section between the suboccipital and dorsal cordconnection nodes in the form of springs are shown in FIGS. 18, 19, 20.In some embodiments, the headset includes a spring inserted between thesuboccipital 6 and dorsal 5 cord connection nodes (FIGS. 21, 22). FIG.23a, b shows embodiments of the dorsal cord connection node 5.

In preferred embodiments (FIGS. 18, 24) a headset comprises at least oneelectronic control unit 9 mechanically and electrically connected to anelectrical connector 2; the electronic unit can be configured as amedallion. The electronic unit may comprise a license-exempt signaltransceiver, such as Bluetooth, to receive signal from a cell phone;there may further be a battery, player, radio, USB flash drive,electronic key, satellite signal receiver, such as GPS and/or GLONASSreceiver, to tell coordinates through voice commands transmitteddirectly to the user's earphones. FIG. 25 shows possible electroniccomponents incorporates into the electronic unit. The electronic unitcommunicates with a mobile phone, satellite navigation system, computeror mobile station via a radio communications module 10. A signalprocessor 11 processes audio signals, and controls and manages datastreams. Digital-to-analog conversion and amplification of signal, andvolume control are performed by a codec or an audio module 12. A memorymodule 13 stores control software, hardware setting profiles and user'sinformation. Power supply, such as a battery 14 incorporated in theelectronic unit and/or disposed on the neck loop provides operation ofmicrocircuit chips. The electronic unit may include control buttons,such as 15, 16. A short-range Near Field Connection module 17 can beused for data exchange and quick coupling with a mobile electronicdevice.

In various embodiments of a headset the electronic unit accommodates thefollowing accessories: an extra controller 18 for processing signalsfrom control buttons; a slot 20 with a connector to connect an externalflash memory, a USB connector 21 for data transfer or charging thebattery. Connectors 22 are used to connect earphones, externalmicrophones, and additional control buttons.

In various embodiments (FIG. 24) 1 control means in the form of buttons15, 16 can be disposed on the neck loop, and in some cases, a controlcommand may be issued only by pressing two buttons at the same time. Insome embodiments, acoustic announcement may be transmitted to the user'searphone only when a command is issued.

In some embodiments (FIG. 26) control buttons comprise bordering flangesto prevent accidental pressure.

In various embodiments of the headset control buttons and keys (FIG. 24)are disposed both on the housing of the electronic unit and the neckloop.

Ergonomic advantage of this interface manifests itself in the fact thatcontrol buttons and keys are disposed on the user's body in the regionof an isosceles triangle with a horizontal base, lying between theproximal ends of the clavicles, and a vertex directed downward in theregion of xiphoid appendix, and slightly higher for women, so that thereach area of the body field of hand movements takes into account theuser's clothes not only in warm, but also in cold climate, for example,a man in the standard European clothes is shown; this allows the user tomanage the headset without having to take it out of clothes, by pressingbuttons and keys that are easy to find on the touch over theconventional clothes because they are relatively non-displaceable,projected at about the same place relative to the user's body; the keysare tactilely distinguishable from one another and may provide afeedback in the form of tactile or audible (click) response whenpressed. In some embodiments, control keys may be fixed, and a switch onthe piezoelectric element or a resistive pressure sensor may be used.Click or another audible feedback indicating that a function has beenswitched may be unheard by others and reflected only in user'searphones.

Switchable keys available on the electronic unit and neck the loop mayprovide the following standard functions:

1) On/Off

2) Call answering

3) Call Completion

4) Stop/Continue

5) Louder

6) Quieter

7) Switch tracks forth

8) Switch tracks back

9) Forward winding

10) Rewind

11) Voice command: Call

12) Other voice commands.

Buttons are spaced relative to each other, e.g. buttons on theelectronic unit are duplicated, and buttons on the neck loop aredisposed on separate boards, protected from accidental pressure andconnected to the electronic unit via a separate cord.

Furthermore, pressure can be made at once on two opposite buttons withtwo fingers, thumb and forefinger, simultaneously on both sides of theneck loop relative to the electronic unit. This eliminates accidentalpressure with vehicle safety belt, bag strap, etc. Such an arrangementof buttons provides for maximum accessibility to them, even when wearinga tie, suit or coat.

Call answering button may be positioned on one of the earphones.

FIGS. 27, 28 show maximum possible allocation of key functions. Anelectronic voice device may be used to announce about settings that havebeen made.

FIG. 29 shows examples of algorithms implemented when buttons arepressed. Arrows point to the functions carried out at pressing thebuttons. A button divided into two parts means a dual button.

In one embodiment a call answering button may be positioned in one ofthe earphones. When a call is received the user either puts on thetaken-off earphone simultaneously pressing the button, or simply adjuststhe earphone to provide its better position in the auricle andsimultaneously presses the button to answer the call. To avoidaccidental pressure on the button in other cases, the button is operatedonly at incoming call and does not have any other functions at othertimes: during a telephone conversation, while listening to music or instandby mode.

In an embodiment of a headset (FIG. 24) power supply 25 and microphone26 can be disposed on a neck loop 1. Power supplies (batteries) may bedistributed in different parts of the headset: in the electronic unittogether with the main hardware base, a round flat battery lying on thebody, mostly in the upper abdomen, with the diameter of about 30 mm andthickness of 5 mm, attached below to the electronic control unit via aflexible spring cord, but when the headset is worn by the user havingthe mobility range in a single plane perpendicular to the plane of thebattery itself.

The headset design comprising a suboccipital cord connection node and ashort, as compared to the other neck headsets, section of the movableportion of cords connecting the headset with the neck loop allowswearing the headset under user's clothes, thereby eliminating the use ofexternal microphone close to the user's mouth. This leads to the need toprovide a special arrangement topology of microphones in the headset anda hardware/software system for processing signals from microphones. Theheadset including a neck loop, electronic unit and cord connection nodesallows positioning thereon a great number of microphones, includingthroat microphones, a high-speed digital signal processor, therebyproviding hardware and software support for functioning anoise-cancelling system, processing signals from a sufficient number ofheadset microphones, cutting off background noise and, most importantly,speaking without a microphone close to the user's mouth. The usednoise-cancelling system can operate not only for processing outputsignal, but also for cutting off all external sounds in head earphones;this function can be forcedly turned on in noisy areas: underground,concert hall, etc., and turned off to communicate with others withoutremoving the earphones from ears.

In headset embodiments a microphone for sensing user's speech may bepositioned in the upper part of the electronic unit; in moresophisticated embodiments the headset comprises a plurality ofmicrophones (from two to nine) having a specific arrangement topology onthe headset and forming a microphone array, comprising appropriatehardware and processing base for high-quality sensing and transmittingthe user's speech on communications channels in processed or unprocessedform or for transmitting voice commands to change various functions ofthe headset.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 30 a portion of the cord near an earphone3 is accommodated in a tubular guide 27, which has on its surface acontact member 28 for electrically connecting the headset with anadditional electronic device 30, e.g. glasses/screens.

In some embodiments the headset can be free of cords transmitting signalto the earphone and have a power cord only; a cordless module can bedisposed in each earphone to receive and transmit electromagnetic signalfor the earphone.

A neck loop (FIG. 31) may have at least two slots 31 to connectadditional sections of the neck loop.

In preferred embodiments (FIGS. 32, 33, 34, 35) a headset comprises acord winding mechanism 32 and cord storage pocket 33 disposed on a neckloop. A cone-shaped spring mesh 34 is arranged between nodes 5 and 6,which is attached at the cone vertex to the suboccipital cord connectionnode 6 and at the cone base on the edge perimeter of the storage pocket33.

The winding mechanism 32 may comprise a reel with a helical springinside and a fishing line 35 wound around the reel and connected at oneend to the reel and at the other end to the suboccipital cord connectionnode 6 so that when the fishing line is wound on the reel thesuboccipital cord connection node 6 is drawn to the dorsal cordconnection node 5 and the section 7 of cords between the suboccipitaland dorsal nodes is accommodated in the storage pocket 33.

A headset (FIG. 36) for a mobile electronic device comprises: twoearphones 3 a, b; an electrical connector 2; two cords 4, a and b, eachconnected at one end to one of the earphones 4 a, b, and at the otherend to the electrical connector 2; said two cords are mechanicallyconnected to each other to form a neck loop 1 by sections of cords,which are located between the point 5 of connection with each other andthe electrical connector 2; the two cords are further mechanicallyconnected to each other in place 6 located on sections of cords betweenthe earphones and the neck loop.

Headset cords can be connected to each other by at least one clipenabling to adjust the length of the cords by moving the clip along thecords and/or cords inside the clip. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 37,a headset comprises a central clip and two additional clips 37 disposedon either side of the central clip and adapted to fix the length of theneck loop cords, while the central clip, through which the cords pass inopposite directions, is designed to form two loops to adjust the lengthof the cords.

FIG. 38 shows another embodiment of a headset with clips. FIGS. 39, 40show various designs of clips 37.

In a preferred embodiment (FIG. 36) a headset comprises at least oneelectronic control unit 9 mechanically and electrically connected to anelectrical connector 2. At least two control means 23, 24 in the form ofbuttons are disposed on the cords forming a neck loop. The controlbuttons may have bordering flanges for protection against accidentalpressure (FIG. 26). In a preferred embodiment at least one power supplyand/or at least one microphone 26 may be disposed on the cords formingthe neck loop, and cords 4 a, b may comprise at least one additionalelectrical connector 36 and/or contact member.

FIG. 41 shows a schematic diagram of a headset as a multi-functionportable device.

An electronic unit 9 provides electrical communications in user'sPersonal Area Network (PAN) with a mobile phone, player, radio stationthrough a wireless transceiver of electromagnetic signal withlicense-exempt parameters, for example, Bluetooth, Kleer, ZigBee,AirPlay, Ultra-Wide Band, Piconet and others; in various embodiments theelectronic unit may be a phone or smartphone, radio station, player,radio, Wi-Fi or GPS receiver, electronic key or data medium.

The electronic unit is connected to the neck loop 1 via an electricalconnector, which is accommodated in the electronic unit in thisembodiment. When the headset is worn, the electronic unit is preferablypositioned on the user's chest.

As one of the objects in creating a headset is to enable wearing theheadset under clothes and managing it over the clothes on the touch,while avoiding accidental pressure, some structural features have beenprovided. Electronic unit 9 has a protective rib 37 to separate buttons23, 24, 38 that have different functions. When buttons 39 and 40 arepressed simultaneously, a reel or rolls that are included in a windingmechanism disposed in the region of a dorsal cord connection node 5 inthis embodiment are unlocked. A microphone 41 is also disposed on theelectronic unit. Microphones 42, 43, batteries 44, 45 and interfacebuttons such as buttons 46, 47, 48 are disposed on the neck loop.Connectors 31 a, b and 49 a, b allow replacement of detachable parts ofthe neck loop 50, 51 for individual adjustment of the headset.

Further arranged on the neck loop are connecting/adjusting,pulling/winding mechanisms 32, a cord storage pocket 33, and a meshspring 34; when the headset is worn they are positioned on the outersurface of the upper part of the user's back, on the border with thelower dorsal surface of the neck.

When the headset is worn, section 7 of cords between the suboccipitaland dorsal cords connection nodes and the suboccipital cord connectionnode 6 is positioned on the dorsal surface of the user's neck up to thesuboccipital part, where cord sections 4 a, b are V-like split andsettle on the user's skin in a relatively taut state, and they aredirected over the auricle to earphones 3 a, b placed in the user'sauricles.

Microphones 52, 53, 55, 57 and audio channels 54, 56 are disposed onearphones 3 a, b.

FIGS. 42, 43, 44 show a connection circuitry of keys and microphones inone embodiment of the headset. This embodiment includes twelve keys andseven microphones. The microphones are digital microphones with astandard set of contact members shown in FIG. 42.

Data outputs to contact members, synch signal inputs of the microphonesand control keys are connected to inputs of a signal processor orcontroller 58 (FIG. 43). Earphones are connected to a control chip,CODEC 59, or an audio module, which comprise a digital-to-analogconverter, a controllable-gain amplifier. In operation the processordata exchanges data with peripheral devices 60 as well. FIG. 44 showselectrical circuitry of the headset.

Antennas of a Bluetooth or another wireless module can be positioned onthe neck loop, preferably according to the Vvedensky formula, at thelevel of user's shoulders to provide better conditions for reception andtransmission.

In some embodiments the headset has a vibration mechanism for incomingcall.

The headset can also accommodate position sensors, accelerometers toassist in navigation with voice prompts of GPS device. If accelerometersare positioned on earphone arms or in earphones as such, the navigationsystem housed in the headset will be able to determine the direction ofrotation of the user's head.

Benefits from achieving the main technical effect, such as: shorteningby more than two times the length of the movable part of cords, i.e. thesection between the nodes, convenient position and tension of cords onsurface of the body, and immobility of the remaining cord portions,allows the headset to be worn under clothes in operational andnon-operational state, and throat microphones to be disposed thereon.

In many embodiments the headset can be controlled without taking it fromunder the clothes or a phone from the pocket, because the buttonslocated under clothes can be pressed from outside, over clothes, or bygiving voice commands without hand manipulations at all. However, itshould be borne in mind that to activate voice commands a button on theheadset is still to be pressed, which increases the value of the tactileinterface used in the headset.

With a constantly worn, but nearly invisible headset the user can be intouch, listen to music, podcasts, and receive current voice informationwithout impairing the user's appearance and differentiating oneself fromothers.

The headset allows combining an electronic device with bijouterie.

Use of the headset reduces the phone radiation on the brain.

Direct contact between the device and the user's skin allows positioningon the headset sensors for monitoring the state of user's health, suchas temperature, blood pressure, sugar, alcohol in skin secretions, etc.,to monitor galvanic skin response for control of the sympathetic nervoussystem, which allows using the headset as a part of a biotelemetrycomplex for medical diagnostics.

The headset can be used not only as an option to a mobile phone, butalso as a component of a wearable mobile complex with hardware dispersedin several devices carried by a person, for example, some of hardwareand battery base can be accommodated in a man's trouser belt, while thewired connection to the headset can be implemented in a cord, which liesunder the clothes along the user's spine on the back; the headset itselfcan be a mobile phone or smartphone, while a separately wornscreen/keyboard unit can be a wireless interface to it.

With further development of technologies that enhance capabilities ofvoice communications between human and computer, as well as with widespread of 3G and 4G communication the advantages of the headset becomeeven more obvious, in particular: improved quality of communicationswith the ability to speak and listen to a counterpart on phone usingHD-voice telephony and stereo mode; GPS navigation without visualinspection of the map, but only with voice commands sent to user'searphones; development of new voice Internet and web surfing serviceswithout a screen and mouse, but only through a voice interface. When auser performs any actions, functions or operations which involve bothhands, if the headset is available, it is possible to be constantly intouch or in network without focusing on keeping the phone, but usingvoice prompts of the operator or computer.

The headset can be a part of an integral complex (FIG. 45), whichincludes, along with glasses/screens and other body-worn mobile devices,home or office computers implementing permanent communications betweenthemselves and the operator base; such a complex can be called “cloudmobiling” by analogy with “cloud computing”.

Comparison of Mobility and Maximum Length of Cord in Headsets withVarious Geometry

Movement Rotation of head in Tilt of head horizontal planeforward/backward Tilt of head sideway Headset Estimate at Estimate atEstimate at type Formula parameters: Formula parameters: Formulaparameters Headset (6) R = 6.5 cm, h = 6 cm, (12) R = 6.5 cm, h₀ = 2(24) R = 6.5 cm, h = 6 cm, h₀ = 2 with two D = 1 cm, α = 90° = 1.6 cm, D= 1 cm cm α_(m) = 45° = 0.8 rad nodes rad ΔS_(t) = 2.9 cm ΔS_(c) = 8.6cm ΔS_(s) = 0.6 cm L_(max) = 9.8 cm (see expression (14)) Headset (7) R= 6.5 cm, H = 13 cm (18) r₀ = 3 cm, γ₀ = 45° (34) R = 6.5 cm, h = 6 cmh₀ = 2 with ΔS_(t1) = 12.5 cm ΔS_(c1) = 2.2 cm cm α_(m) = 45° = 0.8 radsingle node ΔS_(s1) = 3.4 cm L_(max 1) = {square root over (H² + R²π²)}= 25.5 cm Headset (8) R = 7 cm, H = 13 cm (19) r₀ = 3 cm, γ₀ = 45° R =6.5 cm, h = 6 cm h₀ = 2 with two ΔS_(t2) = 5.2 cm ΔS_(c2) = 3 cm cmα_(m) = 45° = 0.8 rad side nodes ΔS_(s2) = 11 cm L_(max 2) = H +R_(s)α_(m) = 19.4 cm

The invention claimed is:
 1. A headset for a mobile electronic device,comprising: a sheath with an electrical connector attached thereto,wherein the sheath wraps around left, right and back sides of a neckwhen worn by a user; two earphones; two cords, each of the cords beingconnected at one end to one of the earphones and at the other end to theelectrical connector; wherein the two cords are mechanically connectedto the sheath, and points of connection of the two cords to the sheathare in close proximity to each other and form a dorsal cord connectionnode, and are further mechanically connected to each other between theearphones and the dorsal cord connection node to form a suboccipitalcord connection node.
 2. The headset of claim 1, wherein the dorsal cordconnection node and the suboccipital cord connection node are disposed,when worn by the user in an operational state, on a dorsal surface ofthe neck, and the two cords in sections between the earphones and thesuboccipital node are to be placed over an auricle.
 3. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein the two cords in sections between the earphones and thesuboccipital cord connection node, when worn by the user in anoperational condition, are disposed on a surface of a head of the userin a taut state.
 4. The headset of claim 1, wherein when worn by theuser in an operational state the dorsal cord connection node ispositioned at a level of a seventh cervical vertebra, the suboccipitalcord connection node is positioned at a level of an external occipitalprotuberance, and each of the two cords between the suboccipital anddorsal cord connection nodes has a length determined by a maximumdistance between a first and the seventh cervical vertebrae of the user,measured on a dorsal surface of a neck of the user with a head rotatedsideway and tilted downward at the same time.
 5. The headset of claim 1,wherein the section of the two cords between the suboccipital and dorsalcord connection nodes has a length from 5 cm to 13 cm.
 6. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein the suboccipital cord connection node is a clip adaptedto move along the two cords for adjusting a length of the two cords. 7.The headset of claim 1, wherein the suboccipital node comprises anelectrical connector for disconnecting the two cords.
 8. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein at least one cord in the section between thesuboccipital and dorsal cord connection nodes is a helical spring. 9.The headset of claim 1, further comprising a spring disposed between thesuboccipital and dorsal cord connection nodes.
 10. The headset of claim1, further comprising at least one electronic unit mechanically andelectrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector.
 11. Theheadset of claim 1, further comprising at least two buttons disposed onthe sheath.
 12. The headset of claim 11, wherein the two buttons issuecommands only when the two buttons are pressed at the same time.
 13. Theheadset of claim 11, wherein the buttons transmit an acoustic warning toone of the earphones only when a command is issued.
 14. The headset ofclaim 11, wherein the two buttons have bordering flanges to preventaccidental pressing.
 15. The headset of claim 1, further comprising atleast one power supply disposed on the sheath.
 16. The headset of claim1, further comprising at least one microphone disposed on the sheath.17. The headset of claim 1, wherein a part of each of the two cords nearthe corresponding earphone is in a tubular guide, and the tubular guidehas a contact member on its outer surface to electrically connect theheadset with an additional electronic device.
 18. The headset of claim1, wherein the sheath comprises at least two connectors to connectadditional sections of the sheath.
 19. The headset of claim 1, furthercomprising a cord winding mechanism and a cord storage pocket, bothdisposed on the sheath, for retracting the two cords.
 20. The headset ofclaim 19, further comprising a cone-shaped spring mesh attached at anapex to the suboccipital cord connection node and at a base to an edgeperimeter of the cord storage pocket.
 21. The headset of claim 19,wherein the cord winding mechanism comprises a reel with a helicalspring inside the reel, and a fishing line wound on the reel andconnected at one end to the reel and at another end to the suboccipitalcord connection node, so that when the fishing line is wound on the reelthe suboccipital cord connection node is drawn to the dorsal cordconnection node, and the section of cords between the suboccipital anddorsal cord connection nodes is arranged in the storage pocket.
 22. Aheadset for a mobile electronic device, comprising: two earphones; anelectrical connector; two cords, each of the cords connected at one endto one of the earphones and at another end to the electrical connector;wherein the two cords are mechanically connected to each other to form aneck loop by sections of the two cords, which are arranged between apoint of connection with each other and with the electrical connector,and further mechanically connected to each other at a point on thesections of cords between the earphones and the neck loop.
 23. Theheadset of claim 22, wherein the cords are connected to each other by atleast one clip adapted to move along the two cords for adjusting alength of the two cords against each other.
 24. The headset of claim 22,further comprising at least one electronic unit connected mechanicallyand electrically to the electrical connector.
 25. The headset of claim22, further comprising at least two buttons disposed on the two cords.26. The headset of claim 25, wherein the buttons comprise flanges toprevent accidental pressing.
 27. The headset of claim 22, furthercomprising at least one power supply disposed on the two cords.
 28. Theheadset of claim 22, further comprising at least one microphone disposedon the two cords.
 29. The headset of claim 22, wherein the two cordscomprise at least one additional electrical connector.
 30. The headsetof claim 22, wherein the two cords comprise at least one contact memberto connect the two cords to each other.
 31. A wearable electronicdevice, comprising: a neck-wearable housing configured to be mounted ona human body and in contact with back, left and right sides of the neck,and having an electrical connector attached thereto; two in-earearphones; and two cords, each connected at a first end to acorresponding in-ear earphone, and connected at a second end to theelectrical connector; wherein the two cords are connected to theneck-wearable housing, and points of connection of the cords to theneck-wearable housing are in proximity to each other and form aback-of-the-neck node, and wherein the two cords are also mechanicallyconnected to each other in sections between the in-ear earphones and theback-of-the-neck node to form a back-of-the-head node.
 32. The wearableelectronic device of claim 31, wherein the back-of-the-neck node and theback-of-the-head node are located on a back side of a neck of the humanbody when worn by a user, and portions of the two cords are located overears when worn.
 33. The wearable electronic device of claim 31, whereinthe sections of the two cords between the back-of-the-head node andback-of-the-neck node are 5 cm to 13 cm long.
 34. The wearableelectronic device of claim 31, wherein back-of-the-head node is a clipadapted to move along the two cords for adjusting a length of the cords.35. The wearable electronic device of claim 31, wherein theback-of-the-head node comprises an electrical connector fordisconnecting the cords.
 36. The wearable electronic device of claim 31,wherein a portion of at least one cord between the back-of-the-head nodeand the back-of-the-neck node is a helical spring.
 37. The wearableelectronic device of claim 31, further comprising at least oneelectronic unit in the housing, the electronic unit mechanically andelectrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector.
 38. Thewearable electronic device of claim 31, further comprising at least twobuttons for control of electronics disposed in the housing.
 39. Thewearable electronic device of claim 31, further comprising at least onepower supply disposed in the housing.
 40. The wearable electronic deviceof claim 31, further comprising at least one microphone disposed on thehousing.
 41. The wearable electronic device of claim 31, wherein theneck-wearable housing is also in contact with a front side of a chestwhen worn.
 42. The wearable electronic device of claim 31, wherein theneck-wearable housing is flexible.
 43. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 31, further comprising a microphone disposed in theback-of-the-head node.
 44. The wearable electronic device of claim 31,further comprising a microphone disposed in the back-of-the-neck node.45. The wearable electronic device of claim 31, further comprising firstand second microphones, the first and second microphones positioned on afront-facing side of the housing when worn by the user, wherein thefirst microphone is on a left side of the user and the second microphoneis on a right side of the user.
 46. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 31, further comprising eyeglasses connected to an electronic unitin the housing.
 47. The wearable electronic device of claim 31, furthercomprising a microphone array mounted on the housing.
 48. The wearableelectronic device of claim 31, wherein a portion of at least one cordbetween the back-of-the-head node and the back-of-the-neck node is aspring.